Welcome to Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation

The Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation is a volunteer organization that contributes ideas and funds to benefit projects and activities at E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park. The Foundation plans, organizes, and provides the annual Independence Day Celebration. They also provide numerous hours of volunteer service to assist the staff here at E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park with various programs and events. Over the years, the Foundation has planted and cared for hundreds of trees. This project transformed the once barren fields into what we see today.

The Foundation could use your help. There is a constant need for money to maintain the park grounds, repair and renovate park facilities, and to develop and produce programs, activities and events. Your gift to the Foundation goes directly to the betterment of the E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park. The Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Current Foundation projects that need funding assistance;

Interpretative Signage for the old Central State Hospital artifacts and buildings located throughout the park

Fitness & Nature Trail Improvements & Signage

New Playgrounds

Do you have a specific facility, program, or item that you would like your donation to go towards? The Foundation welcomes comments and suggestions on how to improve the offerings at E.P. "Tom” Sawyer State Park.

Foundation History

During July of 1981, the State of Kentucky announced a series of revenue short falls that in turn resulted in significant reductions in state budgets. This caused a significant number of layoffs, staff and service reductions in many of the agencies and departments within state government. The state park system was one of the segments of the state structure that was most affected. More specifically, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park was significantly affected by these changes. The specific impact upon park operations was as follows: The initial decision from the state was to close E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park between Labor Day and Memorial Day and remove all staff members from its premises with the exception of the park manager and a maintenance person.